Fifth youth caught in turtle abuse case

The SPCA of Niagara has announced that 18-year-old Nicholas Paolucci confessed to his role in the brutal torture of a snapping turtle in June. Videotaped evidence shows Paolucci striking the turtle with a baseball bat. The animal was also stabbed with a pitchfork and thrown into a fire.

Credit WBFO News file photo / WBFO News

Paolucci is the fifth person charged in the case.

Most of the perpetrators are facing a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge along with DEC violations.